Controversial Frasier episode pulled off air for years as baffled boss demanded answers
HIT US sitcom Frasier caused controversy when it appeared to cut an episode from its episode list, with no reason given for why the mystery show was pulled.
An episode of Frasier from 1999 featured actress Christine Baranski only ever aired once before it was cut from the syndication and rerun list.
The episode, titled ‘Dr. Nora’, featured Baranski as a parody of the controversial radio and TV host Dr Laura Schlessinger and was nominated for an Emmy.
However when episodes from that season later aired without the Dr Nora episode, show bosses were left baffled as to why it was cut.
The episode being pulled from air appeared to be around the same time Dr Laura Schlessinger was debuting on Paramount with her own show, leading to speculation the episode had been pulled to avoid any negative publicity or attention for Schlessinger’s new show.
No official reason was ever given for the Dr Nora episode being pulled, yet it was later reported that Schlessinger was upset by the portrayal of her mother.
She reportedly felt it crossed a line since her mother wasn’t a public figure.
At the time, Frasier executive producer David Lee expressed frustration over the episode’s removal.
He said: “Obviously, someone has done this. This is not accidental.
“To me, it’s clear what they’ve done (taken the show out of rotation), and I wish they’d cop to it and explain to us.
“As executive producer, I would like to know why it was done and who did it.”
Joe Keenan, the former producer and writer of the episode, also expressed his disbelief.
He shared: “I find it curious that Paramount would yank the Dr. Nora episode because this is the only Dr. Laura show Paramount has done that people want to watch.”
Frasier was given a revival last year on Paramount+ with Kelsey Grammer returning as Frasier Crane.
Despite the comeback, one star from the original series has revealed they won’t be returning in the sequel.
Wendie Malick, who played Ronee Lawrence, was Frasier’s childhood babysitter and then went on to marry his dad Martin.
Speaking to TV Insider, Wendie admitted a return “wouldn’t feel right” following former co-star John Mahoney’s death.
John, who played Martin Crane, died back in 2018 aged 77.
Wendie said: “I just don’t think it would feel right.
“I had such a connection to John Mahoney playing his love interest and finally marrying him that I’m not sure that I want to revisit that.
“That was something that was such a lovely ride, and that season was so much fun and I was honoured to be part of it.
“Never say never, but that’s my gut feeling.”